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In September 1976, lock Frank Oliver made his international debut in a 15-14 reverse against South Africa in that most challenging of rugby environments - Ellis Park, Johannesburg. The game was the fourth test of a fiercely contested series and one in which New Zealand came off second best amidst accusations of biased refereeing. In 1977 Frank was joined in the lineout by Andy Haden, a man who was straining at the leash after years in the international wilderness. The two formed a highly effective axis, but both needed to be on top form to counter a British Lions pack which included such greats as Peter Wheeler, Gordon Brown, Graham Price and Bill Beaumont. After a tough winter tour of France and Italy, Frank was then made captain for the home series against Australia in 1978, an eagerly awaited encounter given that it was first time these old rivals had met for four years. During the intervening period Australia had begun to put together some good performances, including series victories over England and Wales.
The first match was won by the narrowest of margins, 13-12, though 'normal service' was resumed in the second with a comprehensive 22-6 victory. No one therefore expected the 16-30 pounding New Zealand received in the third game, with Wallaby number 8 Greg Cornelson scoring an unprecedented four tries. Despite this setback, Frank had provided effective no frills leadership whilst at the helm and was well respected by his teammates. Frank was replaced as captain by Graham Mourie for the UK tour later in the year and earned notoriety for his involvement in the so called "Haden Incident" against Wales. However, he would probably rather remember the 16-6 victory over England at Twickenham (see photo above), in which he scored a crucial try, his only score in tests. Frank made his seventeenth and last international appearance in 1981 against South Africa in Wellington and in retirement became a respected coach. He is the father of Anton Oliver who captained the All Blacks during the 1990s. (Jon Collins)
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